Episode 16
~ Twilight of the Dying World (Part II) ~
Promised Journey of Another Possibility
"Despite completely desolated and devoid of human, I find this word is somehow beautiful. Don't you think so, Reinforce…?" asked Ave, as he together with Reinforce Eins, Einhalt, Fate and Teana were currently just concluding their investigation. "Affirmative meister Ave. I personally agree with everything that you have said just now. At the same time however, it truly is a sad thing to find no human have actually inhabit this world anymore, as it reminds me to one of those multiverse in which we met miss Kainé and the others…" calmly replied Reinforce Eins back, as she began to record multiple information into a blank tome in her right hand afterwards. Einhalt, Fate and Teana in the meantime were only gave Ave and Reinforce Eins an affirmative nod, as they decided to continue their investigation as well, at the same time.
"I heard Viktor-san's team has manage to rescue Sieg-san from another multiverse this morning, as this finding also made everyone realize on how this world in particular has been completely linked with countless multiverses as well. Is that true…?" politely asked Einhalt, as she decided to let her faithful Device, Asteion to start recording any new information about this desolated world that they could find around them. "It actually is true, Einhalt. Commander Yagami has just told me about it before our departure and things seem to be moving towards the right direction luckily…" answered Teana while smiling at the said young Hegemon-girl, Einhalt Stratos as well, in return. "That is truly a huge relieved to hear that, Teana-san. Since I also am certain that Riessfeld-san, Hattori-san, Lucina-san and everyone that accidentally were brought into this mess ever since Yggdmillennia's Great Holy Grail War could finally find their way back home…" responded Einhalt back while showing her relieved expression as well, at the same time.
"The time that once stopped for them has now started to move again. Because of that, the sooner we apprehend Ainsworth and prevent any corrupted Heaven's Feel from descending, the quicker for us to finally returning back home as well and resuming our life like before…" added Fate, as she gently smiled at both Teana and Einhalt as well, in return. Ave and Reinforce Eins in which also listening at Fate, Teana and Einhalt's conversation decided to affirmatively nodding back simultaneously, as they truly are understand the very implication that Fate has made just a while ago. It was also when Reinforce Eins once again remember on how her beloved surrogate Lord, Ave often felt guilty about how things have been progressing, as he inadvertently convinced his new family, friends, allies and comrade in arms to participate in this seemingly never ending journey across countless multiple multiverses and possibilities that also happen to be completely detached from their own eternal reality, in which their cherished home, Mid-Childa located.
In reality, Ave was definitely content with a normally peaceful daily life in Mid-Childa that he experienced for the first three and half months after Break The World occurred. Around that time, while starting his extensive study and examination to work as not only Time-Space Administrative Bureau's contract mage but also an Executive Officer Assistant under Executive Officer or Enforcer Teana Lanster's wing, Ave met with many different people that he end up befriending with in his normal old way not his new Takamachi's way. His would soon be new family have also been quite supportive, as despite having only an ordinary talent as well as rough edges here and there, Ave has shown them a dedication that would gradually won their support, especially first from his adoptive older sister Nanoha and her daughter, Vivio before later on everyone else.
Nonetheless, Ave has also completely aware of his own limitation despite having just received a set of new skills and extraordinary strength from the choice that he made on that fateful night before Break The World occurred. He tried to learn multiple things to hone those skills and Reinforce Eins remembered very well over how not all of them were successful unfortunately. His attempt to master Yagami Family's Strike Arts as well as Nakajima Family's Shooting Arts has ended in total failure, as he has unfortunately no talent in hand-to-hand combat despite manage to somehow learn a couple of techniques from Yagami Family's Strike Arts in particular. On the other hand however, Reinforce Eins remembered on how her beloved surrogate Lord, Ave has shown an extremely strong aptitude in blade weaponry starting from daggers to swords, axes and pole arms, as under Signum and Micaiah Chevelle's tutelage, he absorbed those knowledge faster than he could ever done with any other martial arts discipline.
Because of that, instead of feeling discouraged over his own limitation, Ave decided to master the very thing that he good at in order to overcome the very weakness that might end up haunt him in the future. In the end, even with those rigorous training and study that he needed to overcome, the short time that Ave spent in Mid-Childa has always been one of the very best times in his life, as Ave kept mentioning it to Reinforce Eins for every now and then. Despite having to still overcame several challenges to get finally adjusted in his new life, Ave now has something that he ultimately found worth of fighting, namely protecting those new family, friends, allies and comrade in arms of his that he cherished dearly from the bottom of his heart, as Reinforce Eins also noticed on how her surrogate Lord has now becoming happier and more focused ever than before.
Still, this newfound happiness that Ave received after he made that fateful choice by accepting Olivier Sägebrecht and Ayin Barshem's offer back then could never completely made any guilty feeling in his heart completely disappear, especially after Break The World accidentally threw him together with Time-Space Administrative Bureau's independent expeditionary taskforce, Special Duty Section 6 into a rift between multiverses before emerging at a the end of time era, "Death Eclipse" region in which planet Eltria and its rotating space colonies were located. In the end, combined with those three and half months that he spent in Mid-Childa together with his new family, friends, allies and comrade in arms, Ave has realized that his old world has undergo a drastic change and now left tattered in ruin, similar to this mirrored version of it, in which Reinforce Eins has remembered very well, after all.
It was The Year of the Lord 3020 when Ave returned and humanity have almost completely wiped out from his old world. His real family and others that he could even remotely call friends together with many others that previously unknown to him has been long gone, as the only thing that would be waiting for his return was a "Land of Steel" similar to the one that he together with Reinforce Eins, Einhalt, Teana and Fate visited currently. Since his own Linker Core and magic circuits were completely fused with Reinforce Eins and Hayate's very own Linker Cores and magic circuits, every emotion that Ave felt personally on that day has also been completely projected into both Reinforce Eins and Hayate's minds as well, afterwards. Because of that, Reinforce Eins and Hayate have somehow became completely aware of Ave's innermost feeling as well as contradiction that he had in his mind after made that fateful choice and left his world behind shortly afterwards.
It was perhaps from that day onward, Reinforce Eins as well as Hayate were somehow aware of Ave's truest feeling, emotion as well as some regrets that he felt in heart when leaving his world behind as well as inadvertently dragging his cherished new family, friends, allies and comrade in arms in this seemingly endless journey across multiple eternal realities out there. Thankfully again, after he and Hayate officially became lovers, Ave started to be able to accept his own regrets, flaws and shortcomings, as the constant support that Hayate gave him as his girlfriend has also fortify his choice to wield those aforementioned regrets, flaws and shortcomings by turning them into his new additional strength instead.
"Sometimes, it surely is difficult to let go things that you regret doing in the past isn't it, Reinforce…?" remarked Ave telepathically with his rhetorical question, as he also gave Reinforce Eins another sincere yet slightly melancholic smile of his as well, in return. "Meister Ave, I…" responded Reinforce Eins, as she for some reason unable to find the right word that might comfort her cherished surrogate Lord, after all. Reinforce Eins should have realized that every emotion that she felt would also be projected into Ave, as well as Hayate's minds since their Linker Cores and magic circuits were completely fused, interconnected together by Tome of the Night Sky's existence. Because of that, everything that she remembered just now would also been felt by him and Hayate, as Reinforce Eins herself started to feel guilty when realizing that.
"It is all fine, Reinforce. Since you have just actually worried about me, as much as you worried about Hayate-san, am I right…?" reassured Ave while still smiling at Reinforce Eins before he turned his attention at the now seemingly also concerned Einhalt, Fate and Teana as well, shortly afterwards. "Meister Ave…" once again muttered Reinforce Eins alone, as she still somehow unable to find the right word to respond at her beloved surrogate Lord's supposedly rhetorical question just now, until Fate decided to do it on her behalf. "You can always talk to us about it, Ave. Since that what family is about isn't it…?" responded Fate back before she decided to also gave Ave, as well as Reinforce Eins the usual reassuring smile of hers, in return. Since Einhalt and Teana were also reaffirming their willingness to listen at him, Ave decided to let them know about everything that concerned him.
"It would be a long story and surely not something that most people like to listen though. Would it still be fine for me to tell you about it…?" asked Ave for one more time, as he truly wished not to make Fate, Teana, Einhalt and also Reinforce Eins feel uncomfortable because of it. "It quite is unusual for you to be this reserved, Ave. I thought you are usually more vocal and willing to discuss any concern that might or might not jeopardize our mission in the past…" reminded Teana while also smiling at him as well, in return. "Teana-san is correct, Enforcer Takamachi. Since you always encourage me to talk when we met before in the past. It was also the same suggestion that you gave Rinne-san as well and now I wish you to also do that as well, even if it just for your own sake…" calmly added Einhalt, as the strong gaze from her beautifully mismatched purple and blue eyes have also reminded Ave on how much she truly is care about him, after all.
"I also believe that miss Fate, miss Teana and miss Einhalt would be able to provide you with an alternative perspective over everything that have concerned your mind, meister Ave. Because of that, perhaps talking with them would actually be highly recommended in my opinion…" telepathically encouraged Reinforce Eins, as she decided to also pointing out the benefit for Ave himself to actually discuss about what concerned his mind with Fate, Teana and Einhalt. Especially when they voluntarily are all willing to listen and give him any advice on how to overcome any concern that he felt in his heart. Because of that after he remembered on how his beloved adoptive older sister, Nanoha had also gave him the same advice in the past, Ave decided to tell Fate, Teana and Einhalt the one thing that has been concerning his mind at the very moment, as he believes it would also definitely be the best for them to know about it as well, after all. It was when Ave told Fate, Teana and Einhalt about what he truly felt about this seemingly never ending journey that they undertake as well as what entail beyond that.
After they all listened at Ave's story just now, Fate, Teana and Einhalt were just simultaneously letting a small sigh out before once again gave the aforementioned young Time Diver Enforcer in front of them another reassuring smile as well, shortly afterwards. It was when Teana decided to be the first one that provide Ave with her advice, as she could somehow relate his dilemma over the choice that he made with her as well, when she was required to make any crucial choice for being one of TSAB's veteran Executive Officer or Enforcer. "You are just worrying about thing a little too much, Ave. Since none of us ever think that you have misled us to participate in this supposedly endless journey after all. I am sure Fate-san and Einhalt would also agree with me, as we all voluntarily participate in this journey in order to help you. Because of that, you should never let such non-existent guilt to haunt you in the end, Ave…" advised Teana, as she at the same time decided to also gave her fellow Enforcer a reassuring pat on his left shoulder as well, in return.
"I also agree with everything that Teana said just now, Ave. Since Nanoha, Hayate and I myself have reassure you before that we will be participating in this journey not only just for your sake alone but as well as ours…" added Fate before she once again gave Ave one of her reassuring smile as well, shortly afterwards. "Teana, Fate-san…" muttered Ave, as he for some reason also feel relieved for knowing that they would never blame him for his choice back then. Even when his choice would end up leading them into this seemingly endless journey across countless multiple eternal realities in which never before expected to exist in these countless multiple multiverse of possibilities itself.
"Both Teana-san and Fate-san are correct, Enforcer Takamachi. When you first told us about a possibility for this longest journey to take place, Vivio-san and I have already made up our minds to accompany you in this. Since we also wish to see more about those infinite possibilities in which these newborn eternal realities have to offer at the same time. Because of that, you should never feel guilty for the choice that you have made back then, Enforcer Takamachi. Since that choice of yours has also lead us into these new possibilities that we never once thought would be existed at the end of our journey…" calmly stated Einhalt while smiling at the said young Time Diver Enforcer, Ave J.C Takamachi that she admired as well, in return.
Realizing that he has actually been overly worried about his past choice for a little too much, Ave decided to quickly admit that before apologizing at Teana, Fate and Einhalt as well, not long afterwards. "Teana, Fate-san, Einhalt, you three are definitely right, as I shouldn't be agonizing over something that has already being done with. I apologize for making you three worried about me, as we supposed to focus ourselves in this investigation instead…" apologized Ave before he turned his gaze at his faithful companion, Reinforce Eins as well, not long afterwards. Reinforce Eins in return gave Ave an approving nod before she decided to also reminding her aforementioned beloved surrogate Lord that he should never actually worry about what have happened in the past, as none of his new family, friends, allies and comrade in arms would ever leave him alone to face it, after all.
"When one of the family member fight, we will all fight together, meister Ave. Because of that, I assure you that none of these hardships were solely yours alone to fight, after all…" concluded Reinforce Eins while calmly reminding her beloved surrogate Lord on how she together with the rest of his new family, friends, allies and comrade in arms would always be there to help him. Reinforce Eins' reminder together with Teana, Fate and Einhalt's reassuring respond just now has definitely made him remember on how he never ever actually fought in this entire struggle alone. His new family, friends, allies and comrade in arms would always be there for him, as he would never be left alone by them, after all. Since Ave's new family, friends, allies and comrade in arms have always reassured him that he shall never fought these hardships alone by himself.
"That what family is about, Ave. Because of that, you should never feel guilty about the past choice that you've made. Since Break The World itself would definitely still occurred on whether you make that choice or not, unfortunately…" added Fate afterwards, as she once again reminded Ave on how Break The World itself would still take place, even if he decided to decline Olivier Sägebrecht and Ayin Barshem's offer back then. Ave was then also remember on how his beloved adoptive older sister, Nanoha as well as older girlfriend, Hayate have also told him the same thing in the past. Because of that, after remembering both Nanoha and Hayate's words through the reminder that Fate gave him, Ave could once again learn to accept that he or to be exact, his past action has definitely nothing to do with Break The World as well as the ultimate demise of his old world's humanity itself, after all.
In the end, as he continued his investigation together with Reinforce Eins, Fate, Teana and Einhalt, Ave could once again remember on how his own choice would never has anything to do with his old world's tragic end, after all. He, the one that made a choice based from his own desire wished nothing that would led his own old world into an ultimate tragic demise. Unfortunately however, Break The World would still took place on whether Ave made the choice to accept Olivier Sägebrecht and Ayin Barshem's offer or not. Because of that, no matter how unfortunate such tragic demise would be, as it awaited his own old world, Ave shall never be held accountable for it and his new family, friends, allies as well as comrade in arms were also agree with that.
Knowing that his worried and regret just now has been somehow quite unfounded, Ave decided not to think about it as he resumed his investigation together with Reinforce Eins, Fate, Teana and Einhalt. Since only by doing so, he could at the very least find out the mystery behind Longinus Dreizehn Orden's action and prevented them from destroy countless other different worlds out there as well, at the same time.
Because of that, as he continued his investigation together with Reinforce Eins, Fate, Teana and Einhalt, Ave started to realize that this entire conflict that awaits him would no longer be as simply as preventing Heaven's Feel from taking place after all. Now, with Longinus Dreizehn Orden's sorcerers were getting involved directly in this struggle, the war has no longer becoming as simple as winning the Holy Grail and having each one of those winners' wishes granted by it. Ave, in which together with Reinforce Zwei, Fate and Teana were initially investigating Yggdmillennia's Great Holy Grail War in the past has actually came into a realization on how Yggdmillennia's true wishes not only completely limited to reaching "The Origin" or "Vortex of Radix" in which "Record of Akasha" supposedly located.
Nonetheless, after Ave and Reinforce Zwei met Laeticia Kaguya d'Arc, a living pseudo-heroic spirit of Ruler-class Demi-Servant, Jeanne d'Arc in Trifas, they started to also learnt on how the entire war itself has been completely warped, as someone or a group of people were deliberately trying to create countless other pseudo-Holy Grail Wars in which often if not always end up in failure. Unfortunately, Yggdmillennia's Great Holy Grail War would soon completely overshadowed by the sudden appearance of vast underground structure known as Chalice Dungeon, in which almost instantly took ESUN as well as Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches attention away from Yggdmillennia's Great Holy Grail War itself. Ave in which has previously investigate one of this Chalice Dungeon's stratum together with Reinforce Zwei, Signum and Agito quickly found that none of those Tomb Prospectors that ESUN, Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches sent were able to survive from the aforementioned Chalice Dungeon itself, unfortunately.
In the end, even after Ave, Reinforce Zwei, Signum and Agito successfully reclaim Book of Shadow from Chalice Dungeon that suddenly appeared beneath Academy City, none of them were able to uncover any mysteries behind its sudden appearance in the third newborn world itself. Vivio and Einhalt have speculated that these Chalice Dungeons that suddenly emerged beneath the third newborn world itself might actually related to a certain accursed phenomenon in which took place long before the Sankt Kaiser Unification War era itself, after all. Night of the Hunt was a name that Time-Space Administrative Bureau (TSAB) officially made to refer this ancient accursed phenomenon, as only through the power of those that inherited the will of both Shutra's Hegemon, Claus G.S Ingvalt, the Last Saint King of the Cradle, Olivier Sägebrecht and Eremiah's Iron Arms, Wilfred Eremiah that this aforementioned accursed phenomenon itself could be fought.
Remembering those incidents that end up leading him to a dreamscape known as Hunter's Nightmare, Ave learnt on how everything were never actually as simple as what he previously thought. The simple thought process he had in mind before has been completely invalidated, as sealing a certain dangerous Lost Logia known as Book of Shadow on that fateful night has unfortunately proven to be ineffective against the encroaching Scourge of Beast that started to emerge from within those accursed halls of Chalice Dungeons itself. Because of that, after he realized on how Book of Shadow or Tome of Eternal Darkness' existence has completely been unrelated to both Yggdmillennia's Great Holy Grail War and Scourge of Beast, Ave decided to reinvestigate this entire case from a different perspective while asking others to help him as well, at the same time.
Vivio and Einhalt were more than eager to help him, as Ave's investigation would also inadvertently preventing Scourge of Beast from taking place in the present as well, after all. Hayate, Vita, Signum, Reinforce Zwei and Agito were also helping Ave with his reinvestigation, as any new discoveries that he made would definitely led them even closer to the mystery behind Yggdmillennia's Great Holy Grail War in which Darnic Prestone Yggdmillennia himself tried very hard to conceal. It was when his investigation led Ave together with his new family, friends, allies and comrade in arms, including Laeticia herself into this dying world by accident, as a mysterious force summoned them through a compliance with a certain ancient accord or covenant known as the Way of Blue's Sentinels.
Because of that, as he together with Reinforce Eins, Einhalt and Sinon successfully protect Lucina, Riessfeld and Chise from being abducted by Longinus Dreizehn Orden's sorcerers, Ave started to once again worried about the very choice that he made back then might end up plunging his new family, friends, allies and comrade in arms into this endless conflict across countless different multiple multiverses itself. Nevertheless, after Fate, Teana and Einhalt reassured him that his choice was never actually wrong to begin with and how they together with everyone would be more than happy to accompany him in this journey across countless different multiple multiverses itself, Ave decided to put aside his worried and instead refocusing his entire energy and attention towards this investigation that would definitely provide them with clues in which might be proven useful for defeating Longinus Dreizehn Orden's sorcerers and finding a way back home as well, at the same time.
Because of that, as he decided to continue his current investigation together with Reinforce Eins, Fate, Teana and Einhalt, Ave once again made a silent promise in his heart to protect his new family, friends, allies and comrade in arms without fail. Even if this silent promise that he made would end up leading him into a spiralling endless struggle across multiple different eternal realities itself, Ave has already steeled his resolve to keep on moving forward while fulfilling it, at the same time. It was after he silently made such promise in his heart, Ave decided to continue his investigation while at the same time letting Reinforce Eins and Einhalt to help him with it. In the meantime, both Reinforce Eins and Einhalt happen to actually taking a notice on how their beloved young Time Diver Enforcer, Ave J.C Takamachi has suddenly becoming a lot more determined than before, as they or to be more specific Einhalt decided to ask him a question out of curiosity shortly afterwards.
"Uhm, is there anything wrong, Enforcer Takamachi…? Since your mind seem to have actually preoccupied with something else just now…" politely asked Einhalt, as she decided to let her faithful Device, Asteion to investigate the surrounding area as well, at the same time. Ave in return was only smiling back at Einhalt, as he decided to give his respond back at her enquiry just now. "Nothing is particularly wrong, Einhalt. I only am trying to make a wild guess about anything that we might find during our investigation. At the same time, I also hope that it might help us finding a way back to our third newborn world, as Yggdmillennia's Great Holy Grail War have yet ceased unfortunately…" calmly replied Ave back, as Einhalt was only affirmatively nodding back at him, in return.
"Still, I for some reason think that Yggdmillennia's Great Holy Grail War would actually end up in stalemate, Ave, Einhalt. Especially when Ruler-class heroic spirit that supposedly mediating this war has also been spirited away here together with the rest of us…" added Fate, as she decided to remind Ave, Reinforce Eins, Einhalt and Teana on how Laeticia in which also happen to be a pseudo-heroic spirit that manifested as Ruler-class Demi-Servant of Jeanne d'Arc has also been summoned into this world by an ancient accord known as the Way of Blue's Sentinels as well, at the same time. "That might actually be the case Fate-san. Although for some reason, I also am think that we have missed something crucial in this particular matter as well…" responded Teana, as her sharp Enforcer's instinct has somehow told her that they might actually missed a crucial information regarding to Yggdmillennia's Great Holy Grail War and several other things that related to it.
"Uhm, meister Ave and I have actually felt a strong presence that somehow similar to Laeticia's own presence as well. Unfortunately, we are unable to identify this strong presence's origin, as he or she skilfully concealing himself or herself away from the battlefield itself after all…" explained Reinforce Eins while meekly told Fate and Teana on how she together with her beloved surrogate Lord, Ave has actually feel a strong presence similar to a Ruler-class heroic spirit of Jeanne d'Arc away from the battlefield, carefully observing each one of them from out there. "Although Reinforce and I feel it, we unfortunately unable to pinpoint its origin, as whatever or whoever this person is, he or she has definitely done a perfect job of concealing themselves away. Again, things has becoming a lot more complicated with multiple different factions getting involved in multiple different incidents as well, sadly…" added Ave while responding at Reinforce Eins' explanation as well, in return.
"Things have evolved ever since L5 Campaign and Operation Plantagenet in which TSAB made their presence public for the very first time. Back then, none of us, Nanoha, Hayate and Ave included would have expected that other irregulars such as Heaven's Feel or Magical Girl Disaster to actually take place shortly afterwards, complicating the entire situation that we all face at the same time…" mentioned Fate while reminding Ave, Reinforce Eins, Teana and Einhalt on how the supposedly straightforward timeline has somehow mired as well as overshadowed with several other incidents that supposedly never existed if those timelines progressed accordingly, unaffected by Break The World itself. It was when after carefully listen at Fate's reminder just now, Einhalt decided to give her respond back while smiling at Fate as well, at the same time.
"I personally don't think that what happened in our newly born timeline and continuity were all bad, Enforcer Testarossa Harlaown. Since it was from the very bottom of such despair, I saw hopes for a better tomorrow emerge after all…" calmly responded Einhalt back while simultaneously smiling at Fate, Teana, Reinforce Eins and Ave as well, in return. "From the very bottom of such despair, I saw hopes for a better tomorrow emerge…hmmm, it truly sounds very romantic, Einhalt…" playfully responded Teana back while letting a small chuckle out at the said younger Hegemon-girl, Einhalt Stratos herself, at the same time. Einhalt on the other hand instantly blushed slightly in embarrassment after she realized on how truly unusual for her to make such cliché remark in the past. Nevertheless, Einhalt has also personally realized on how her encounter with Vivio, Ave and everyone else have also mellowed her previously quiet and seemingly stoic personality, in which Vivio, Ave and everyone else thankfully found a lot more adorable as well as pleasant to deal with, after all.
Indeed, her encounter with Vivio, Ave and the rest of her new friends have mellowed Einhalt's previously quiet and seemingly stoic personality, as she could now find her own worth in this waking world while asserting her own existence as herself rather than an extension or shadow of her ancestor, Shutra's Hegemon, Claus G.S Ingvalt's will, desire and memories. It was when Einhalt started to smile more and becoming a lot stronger than before, as she could now focus her entire energy and attention towards everything that have define her very own existence and self worth as well, at the same time. By the time she took Fūka as her one and only student, Einhalt's personality has matured a lot more, as she could also helped her student, Fūka to find her own purpose as well as self worth in this waking world through diligently practicing an Old Belka's magical martial arts, the Kaiser Arts in which Einhalt herself inherited from her ancestor, Claus G.S Ingvalt's genetic memories.
Because of that, Einhalt could somehow understand the implication that Teana has made in her playful respond just now, as she indeed has changed. Nonetheless, the said young Hegemon-girl, Einhalt Stratos herself found such change that she has personally decided to take upon herself to be somehow pleasant, as it gave her a renewed purpose of life, after all. Again, thanks to the encounter that she had with Vivio, Ave and the rest of her new friends in the past, Einhalt could somehow end up becoming a lot more understanding towards some of the dilemmas that others felt while at the same time empathetic enough to help them on overcoming it together. It was also when the said young Hegemon-girl, Einhalt Stratos also finally learnt about her true feeling towards both Vivio and Ave, as well as how that feeling alone has also been inherited by her most beloved student, Fūka Reventón and her closest childhood friend, Rinne Berlinetta as well, at the same time.
Indeed, Einhalt has somehow becoming more and more capable of expressing herself, as Teana has also mentioned on how she acted a lot calm and mature than her past old self after all. Teana also mentioned on how Einhalt has somehow becoming quite romantic when trying to express her true emotion, as she always tried to deny it albeit unsuccessful on doing so, as well. "I'm not a r-romantic person, Teana-san. Since Vivio-san is a lot more capable of becoming a romantic individual by expressing her emotion more than I myself…" bashfully replied Einhalt back at Teana's playful respond just now while at the same time feeling a little embarrassed over it as well. Teana in return was only smiling at the said younger Hegemon-girl, Einhalt Stratos in front of her before she decided to also responding back at her (Einhalt's) reply as well, not long afterwards.
"Still, you have already matured a lot and becoming more romantic than before, Einhalt. I truly am proud of you, as certainly Subaru and Nove would also feel the same about it as well…" responded Teana back with her reassuring words, as she once again gave the said younger Hegemon-girl in front of her an approving smile as well, in return. Einhalt personally was about to keep on denying Teana's claim over how matured and now romantic she has became after meeting Vivio, Ave and the rest of her new friends when her faithful Device, Asteion has started to let a continuous meowing noise out while scratching over a pile of rubble in which located not far from Einhalt as well as Ave, Reinforce Eins, Fate and Teana's current position, after all.
"Did you find something, Tio…?" asked Einhalt, as she together with Ave and Reinforce Eins were happens to be first that approached Asteion. Einhalt's faithful Device, Asteion once again let a small meowing voice out while pointing out at the pile of rubble that it (he) previously scratched using its (his) paws. "Asteion seems to actually find something, miss Einhalt. Should meister Ave and I remove this pile of rubble in order to see what underneath it…?" offered Reinforce Eins, as she has already had her own faithful Device, NachtWal equipped on its (her) "Armament Form" known as Spear Cannon. "Please do, Eins-san. Since sooner or later, we need to find any possible clues that existed in this dying world after all…" replied Einhalt back before she decided to also gave Reinforce Eins an approving nod as well, in return.
"Well, it won't take long since Reinforce and I are quite skilful when it comes to taking down this kind of rubble…" added Ave while readying his CW-AEC02M Strike Cannon "mass production model" AEC Armament in "Open Mode" Configuration afterwards. "Do you think it would be a good idea to blast the entire rubble out, Ave? Since it might end up destroy anything that is underneath…" asked Teana, as she decided to warn Ave about blowing up the entire rubble away using his Strike Cannon "mass production model" AEC Armament. "I do think it would just fine, Teana. Perhaps, you can also help me with this task if it is okay with you…" replied Ave back while requesting his Executive Officer-senpai's assistance as well, at the same time. Teana in return was only letting a small sigh out, as she lifted her customized light orange and shine white painted CW-AEC02M Strike Cannon "mass production model" AEC Armament before responding back at her protégé's reply just now.
"Well, completely destroy every single obstacle with absolute maximum firepower is definitely one of the option that Nanoha-san would take. Again, I'm not surprise to see you picked this option as well, Ave. Especially since Nanoha-san's habit often influenced your decision and action as well, I believe…" responded Teana back, as she also readying her own Strike Cannon "mass production model" AEC Armament in "Open Mode" configuration afterwards. "Well, that's one of the most efficient way for us to destroy this rubble and find out about what is underneath it, Teana. Again, thanks for helping me with this crazy idea of mine…" thanked Ave after he explained his own reasoning to destroy this pile of rubble using Strike Cannon 'mass production model" AEC Armaments' only special bombardment spell, "Excellence Cannon Variable Raid".
Fate and Einhalt in the meantime were only exchanging look to one another before letting a small sheepish laugh as well, shortly afterwards. "Is something wrong Enforcer Testarossa Harlaown? Miss Einhalt?" politely asked Reinforce Eins with a slightly confused look shown in her face. "Ah! N-nothing is actually wrong Eins-san. It only is that Enforcer Takamachi and Teana-san's conversation just now has reminded me a lot of Vivio-san and her mother…" bashfully responded Einhalt back, as she once again blushed slightly in embarrassment not long afterwards. "Well, that's the Takamachi's motto for you, Einhalt. Always face everything head on with absolute maximum firepower has always been their most effective method to overcome any adversaries without fail. Because of that, I'm sure Ave and Teana also inherited that, as they have been related for the Takamachi after all…" added Fate while smiling at both Einhalt and Reinforce Eins as well, in return.
"Miss Teana is miss Nanoha's most precious student meanwhile meister Ave is miss Nanoha's adopted younger brother. Surely they have everything that it takes to be a Takamachi, I believe…" calmly and politely replied Reinforce Eins back before she decided to also get ready by creating three Howling Spheres that floating around her. "I think we better get away, Einhalt. Since Eins seems decided to also use the same method that Ave and Teana choose, after all…" suggested Fate, as Einhalt quickly gave her an affirmative nod before carrying Asteion away to the safety shortly afterwards.
"I hope they won't end up burying what meant to be found underneath, Enforcer Testarossa Harlaown. Since it might be the only clue that would allow us to return home, I believe…" responded Einhalt back, as she was somehow feel slightly concerned over the choice of action that Ave, Teana and Reinforce Eins decided to take. It was when Fate was only reassuringly smiled at the younger Hegemon-girl in front of her before she decided to respond back at her (Einhalt's) concern as well, in return.
"While their method seems to be quite bold and destructive at first glance, both Ave and Teana have surely thought about the risk of accidentally destroy our only clue along with that pile of rubble as well, Einhalt. Because of that, I'm sure Eins is participating in this task to ensure that none of such thing would ever happen in the first place…" reassured Fate while smiling at the younger Hegemon-girl, Einhalt Stratos as well, at the same time. Einhalt in return was only affirmatively nodding back at Fate, as she decided to carry her faithful Device, Asteion away to the safety before turning her gaze at both Ave and Teana shortly afterwards. It was also when Einhalt saw that both Ave and Teana have already completed the preparation to execute the special bombardment spell, Excellence Cannon Variable Raid using each one of their respective CW-AEC02M Strike Cannon "mass production model" AEC Armaments.
Einhalt also saw Reinforce Eins calmly began to reposition her floating Howling Spheres around the pile of rubble in front of her before she decided to signal Ave and Teana as well, not long afterwards. Simultaneously, Ave and Teana executed their respective special bombardment spell, Excellence Cannon Variable Raid using Strike Cannon "mass production model" AEC Armaments in "Open Mode" Configuration when they saw Reinforce Eins' signal while bracing themselves for the recoil in which they would felt at anytime soon. In the meantime, Reinforce Eins calmly executes a high-speed (aimed) bombardment spell, Claíomh Solais towards the aforementioned pile of rubble in front of her while simultaneously using those three Howling Spheres to reflect as well as amplify its destructive power.
Acting only as spectators, both Einhalt and Fate quickly saw a massive explosion that they would actually expected from a combination of two Excellence Cannon Variable Raid and Claíomh Solais bombardment spells in which Ave, Teana and Reinforce Eins have executed just now. "Isn't it a little bit too much for Ave-san, Teana-san and Eins-san to execute triple bombardment spells towards the massive pile of rubble like that, Enforcer Testarossa Harlaown…?" innocently asked Einhalt, as she could only keep on staring at the destruction in which Ave, Teana and Reinforce Eins' (aimed) bombardment spells have been creating just now. "It actually is not too much, Einhalt. Especially when the pile of rubble that they have just destroyed were previously encapsulated with mysterious energy barrier in which seems to be intentionally erected by its caster…" calmly explained Fate back in her respond at Einhalt's question, as she also smiled at the aforementioned young Hegemon-girl herself shortly afterwards.
"Eh…?" reacted Einhalt, as she was surprised when finding out about the aforementioned energy barrier in which previously encapsulate the said massive pile of rubble in front of her. "I also think that has been the main reason on why Asteion was trying to tear it down using his paws a while ago. Again none of them matters anymore, as Teana, Reinforce and I have successfully obliterate it just now…" added Ave while giving the said young Hegemon-girl, Einhalt Stratos a reassuring grin of his as well, in return. "I-I never notice that, Enforcer Takamachi. I thought Tio is just trying to remove those rubbles using his paws…" replied Einhalt back, as she turned her gaze towards an underground passage in which previously buried under the massive pile of rubble, hidden away from her beautiful mismatched purple and blue eyes.
"I never actually expect to see a hidden underground passage underneath those pile of rubbles. Is that another version of Chalice Dungeon or something else that entirely different from it? Nevertheless, I better investigate it using the same method that professor Anzai and professor Scrya have taught me in the past…" muttered Einhalt alone under her breath, as she was about to enter the said hidden underground passage before Teana stopped her from doing so. "Einhalt! Stop! We better not let our guard down, especially since Cross Mirage seems to actually detecting unidentified heat signatures, twelve of them already have us surrounded…" warned Teana, as she once again raised her light orange and shine white custom painted CW-AEC02M Strike Cannon "mass production model" AEC Armament while getting ready for any possible contact with unidentified enemies, at the same time.
"Teana is right, Einhalt. We have been surrounded and they seem would never let us get away that easily…" added Fate, as she decided to get her recently upgraded experimental fifth generation Intelligent Device into an experimental sixth generation Intelligent Device, Bardiche Hornet on his Straight Saber Form ready, simultaneously. "Shall I get Weissritter Flügel ready, meister Ave? Or should we perform our unison together?" asked Reinforce Eins, as she started to once again repositioning her Howling Spheres in order to pre-emptively attack those supposedly twelve incoming enemies as well, at the same time. "It would not be necessary for us to reveal Weissritter Flügel and our ability to perform unison that soon, Reinforce. Since those enemies seem to actually be just a group of novice, I believe…" calmly responded Ave back, as he turned his gaze at twelve fourth generation Knightmare Frame units in which has been identified as RPI-11 Glasgow by him, as well as Reinforce Eins, Fate, Teana and Einhalt as well, shortly afterwards.
"Why Knightmare Frames exist in this world as well, Enforcer Takamachi? I never actually expect to see them here…" asked Einhalt while readying her combat stance as well, in return. "Well, not all of our new friends from Britannia Union and Area 11 are singularities like each one of us, Einhalt. Only those involved in Zero Requiem have becoming one and because of that, it won't be surprise to see an alternative version of Holy Britannia Empire or Britannia Union in other eternal realities as well, after all. Hopefully my explanation is clear enough to answer your question…" replied Ave back while giving his explanation at Einhalt about how and why those fourth generation Knightmare Frame units, RPI-11 Glasgow also existed in this supposedly dying world that supposedly also mirror his own old world as well, at the same time.
Einhalt in return was only affirmatively nodding back at Ave's explanation just now, as she clenched her left fist in which completely covered by a thin, elbow-high glove-shaped AEC Armament known as CW-AEC07M Sword Breaker "mass production model". It was shortly after Einhalt affirmatively nodding back at Ave's explanation just now, Fate decided to remind the two of them, as well as Teana and Reinforce Eins about those twelve fourth generation Knightmare Frame units, RPI-11 Glasgow in which currently having their assault rifles ready as well, unfortunately. "For now, we should focus ourselves at those twelve Knightmare Frames and try to contact their pilots if possible. Since we shouldn't fight them unless they attack us first…" reminded Fate, as she lowered her faithful Device, Bardiche Hornet as well, at the same time.
"You're right, Fate-san. Although I personally am would still rather be prepared for a sudden hostility that might be directed toward us…" calmly responded Teana back before she decided to take an initiative by contacting those twelve fourth generation Knightmare Frame units, Glasgow's pilots, shortly afterwards. "Glasgow's pilots, we mean no harm to you. Our presence here is just to investigate what happen and we would appreciate if you all can work together with us…" declared Teana, as she tried to contact those twelve fourth generation Knightmare Frames, Glasgow's pilots in front of her. Yet, the only respond that she received from them were static noises, indicating that no one have actually been piloting those fourth generation Knightmare Frames, Glasgow after all. It was also when Ave quickly confirm that no living signature has been detected from them as well, not long afterwards.
"No one actually pilot these Glasgow units, Teana. Because of that, our one and only choice seems to just actually destroy them before they started to attack and give us a lot of trouble…" informed Ave, as he lifted his CW-AEC02M Strike Cannon "mass production model" AEC Armament while getting ready to execute another of its special bombardment spell, "Excellence Cannon Variable Raid", at the same time. "Meister Ave is actually right, miss Teana. We should begin our assault before our enemies decided to do so…" added Reinforce Eins before she lifted her left arm and having her faithful Device, NachtWal in its (her) "Armament Form" known as Spear Cannon started to get the (aimed) bombardment spell in which she previously use, Claíomh Solais ready as well, not long afterwards.
Realizing that both Ave and Reinforce Eins were correct, Fate, Teana and Einhalt were also getting ready to execute a decisive pre-emptive strike towards the twelve fourth generation Knightmare Frames, Glasgow in front of them. By the time Reinforce Eins, Fate, Teana and Einhalt took ten of those fourth generation Knightmare Frames, Glasgow down with their respective signature attacks, Ave was left alone with a pair of Glasgow armed with elbow mounted-tonfa as his opponents. Nonetheless, Ave was no longer afraid and confused, as he already rediscover one of his reason to keep on fighting for the world as well as fateful choice back then, after all. It was when he easily defeat those two fourth generation Knightmare Frame units, Glasgow in front of him before continuing his investigation together with Reinforce Eins, Fate, Teana and Einhalt, not long afterwards.
Once again the gear of destiny started to move towards an unknown territory in which also happen to be completely unpredicted by everyone. Yet, with a new rediscovered resolve in his heart, Ave would steadfastly moving forward. Since he would always remember that his cherished new family, friends, allies and comrade in arms would always be there for him, after all. It was when another journey for another possibility started in the most unexpected circumstance. As it has started in this dying world, in which also happen to be a mirrored version of Ave's own old world, the place where he made his fateful choice in the past.
ED Theme Song: KOE (Performed By: ASCA)
"Vivio, fight more carefully. Even if our opponents are just AI-controlled Knightmare Frames, one simple mistake could proven to be fatal for us…" warned Nanoha, as she saw her cherished daughter, Vivio single-handedly crush three fifth generation Knightmare Frames, Sutherland almost simultaneously just now. "Hai, I will definitely fight more cautiously, Nanoha-mama!" cheerfully replied Vivio back while skilfully dodge the incoming stab of a surviving Sutherland's jousting lance in front of her before she swiftly took the aforementioned fifth generation Knightmare Frame down, shortly afterwards.
"Issen Hicchū! Sacred Cluster! Fire!" (Flash Strike! Sacred Cluster! Fire!)
Using one of her signature (aimed) shooting spell, Vivio took down the last surviving fifth generation Knightmare Frame, Sutherland in front of her before confidently smiling back at her beloved Nanoha-mama, Subaru and Ginga while grinning at them as well, in return. "It definitely isn't hard to defeat these AI-controlled Sutherlands as Alice-san and Dalque-san's Knightmare Frames are a lot scarier after all…" remarked Vivio, as she found those four fifth generation Knightmare Frames, Sutherland to be somehow easier to defeat compared to those GX 01-series experimental Knightmare Frames in which Alice, Dalque and the rest of former Britannian Special Honorary Foreign Legion's members were piloting during the First Defensive War one and half a year ago. Nanoha in return was only calmly shook her head as she listened at her beloved daughter's remark just now before she decided to calmly reminded her (Vivio) on how underestimating one's opponent could proven to be quite fatal in real battle after all.
"It actually is good for you to get stronger and able to defeat those four Sutherlands alone by yourself, Vivio. Nonetheless, you should still fight them cautiously, as even weaker opponents could still be quite dangerous if you underestimate them…" calmly reminded Nanoha, as she lifted her CW-AEC02M Strike Cannon "mass production model" AEC Armament and reverting it back to its "Close Mode" Configuration, shortly afterwards. "Hai, Nanoha-mama! I will definitely fight even more carefully from now on. It is just in a heat of battle, I tend to try on pushing myself beyond my own limit…" meekly promised Vivio back in her reply at her beloved Nanoha-mama's reminder just now while admitting that she often fought quite recklessly by pushing herself beyond her own limit when facing stronger opponent or extremely challenging situation.
While listening at Vivio's meek reply just now, Nanoha decided to remain quiet as she noticed on how Ginga and Subaru were also about to join their conversation, after all. Realizing that the legendary female Time-Space Administrative Bureau's Ace of the Sky herself decided to remain quiet after listening at her beloved daughter's meek reply, Ginga decided to join this conversation by adding her own thought over Vivio's incredible feat for single-handedly defeating those four fifth generation Knightmare Frames, Sutherland just now. Ginga's younger sister, Subaru in the meantime decided to instead listen at her while smiling at both Vivio and Nanoha as well, at the same time.
"Vivio will definitely be fine, Nanoha-san. Since she is now proven to be a lot stronger than before and also manage to reclaim her previously lost Saint's Armour back, I believe…" calmly added Ginga in her remark, as she decided to reassure Nanoha that Vivio would definitely be fine, after all. Even if Vivio might fight a little reckless against any of her opponents, the Saint's Armour that she once again manage to reclaim would definitely provide her with unparallel defense in battle against both magical and physical attacks. It was also after carefully listened at her beloved older sister, Ginga's remark just now, Subaru decided to reassure her beloved mentor, the aforementioned female TSAB's Ace of the Sky, Nanoha Takamachi herself that she shouldn't be worrying about Vivio's slightly reckless and daring approach in combat, after all.
"Commander Yagami has decided to assign Vivio as our leader and I definitely have a faith on her, Nanoha-san. Vivio will definitely be fine, as I'm sure that she isn't the only one that used to fight recklessly and use a daring approach in direct combat against her opponents…" reassured Subaru while giving Vivio an approving nod as well, simultaneously. Nanoha on the other hand was only letting a small sigh out before replying back at Subaru and Ginga while at the same time smiling at them as well, in return. "Nya, ha, ha, ha…it seems that you two are definitely right, Subaru, Ginga. I should have trusted Vivio more since she has now becoming a lot stronger than when we first met her after all…" replied Nanoha back before smiling at Ginga, Subaru and Vivio as well, at the same time.
"Nanoha-mama…?" innocently asked Vivio, as she stared at her beloved Nanoha-mama's beautiful sapphire blue eyes with her own equally beautiful mismatched green and red eyes as well, in return. "While I still actually hope that you would fight even more cautiously from now on, I truly am proud to see you have become stronger, Vivio. Because of that, I should have more faith on you, as everything will definitely turned out to be fine in the end, after all…" replied Nanoha back, as she gave Vivio the usual kind and motherly Takamachi-style smile of hers as well, at the same time. "Uhm, thanks for having a faith on me, Nanoha-mama. Since yours as well as Fate-mama and Ave-nii's trusts are truly meant a lot for me after all…" bashfully responded Vivio back, as she was also blushing slightly in embarrassment when listening on how her beloved Nanoha-mama has acknowledge her strength and praised her just now.
"Of course we trust you Vivio-san! Since commander Yagami has personally assign you as our leader, she must definitely able to see your strength and leadership skill without any doubt about it…!" added Subaru, as her encouragement has made the already embarrassed Vivio to blush even redder almost instantly. "Uhm, I think we should keep on moving forward, Subaru-san! Ginga-san! Nanoha-mama! Since our mission is to investigate this area and report back to commander Yagami after we find some clues from it…" reminded Vivio, as she decided to lead the other three members of the first investigation team to continue their mission afterwards. "Affirmative squad leader…" responded Nanoha while smiling at her beloved daughter, Vivio and gave her a formal military salute as well, in return.
"Mou! Nanoha-mama! Please don't do that, as it truly is embarrassing after all!" protested Vivio, as she pouted at her beloved Nanoha-mama as well, at the same time. "Hai…" cheerfully replied Nanoha back before she decided to follow Vivio and continue their mission together. Subaru and Ginga in the meantime was only smiling to each other, as they also decided to follow both Nanoha and Vivio from behind while guarding their rear as well, simultaneously. It was when Subaru decided to telepathically asked Ginga a question about her own personal thought towards Hayate's decision of assigning Vivio as their squad leader.
"Gin-nee, can I ask you something…?" telepathically asked Subaru, as Ginga instantly gave her a small nod in return. "Certainly, Subaru. Is this question related to commander Yagami's decision to assign Vivio as our squad leader…?" telepathically responded Ginga back with another question, as Subaru gave her an affirmative nod, shortly afterwards. "Actually it is, Gin-nee. What do you think about Vivio's skill and leadership? Since I'm sure that you can give me an honest opinion about it…" telepathically responded Subaru back before she decided to finally ask Ginga the very question about Hayate's decision to assign Vivio as their squad leader, in return.
"Vivio is definitely improving exponentially from the day when she manage to finally defeated Nanoha-san during TSAB's annual Battle Tactics Symposium last year. Her leadership skill also has improved a lot albeit still retaining some rough edges here and there. Because of that, I personally believe that Vivio is capable to lead our team since we as well as Nanoha-san would definitely able to support her if something happens to suddenly went wrong, Subaru…" telepathically answered Ginga back while explaining her own thought about Vivio's strength and leadership skill as well, at the same time. Subaru in the meantime was only quietly listen at her beloved older sister's telepathic explanation just now before she decided to also personally responding back at her (Ginga) as well, in return.
"I also am thinking that Vivio has becoming a lot stronger and capable to act as our leader in this mission. Don't you think it has anything to do with her wish to impress not only Nanoha-san but also both Ave-san and Einhalt as well, Gin-nee…?" telepathically responded Subaru, as she decided to ask her beloved older sister, Ginga Nakajima another question as well, shortly afterwards. "Well, no one other than Vivio herself would know about that, Subaru. Although, I personally am believe that Vivio might also wish to impress both Enforcer Takamachi and Einhalt like how you always wish to impress Teana and myself. Am I correct…?" telepathically answered Ginga back, as she was also playfully smiling at her beloved younger sister, Subaru as well, in return.
"Gin-nee! That's supposedly to be our secret together. Since it really is embarrassing when you remind me that!" protested Subaru telepathically, as she was blushed slightly as well, at the same time. While letting out a small chuckle after she heard her beloved younger sister's protest just now, Ginga decided to respond back at her aforementioned beloved younger sister, Subaru and reassured her that their little secret would always be safe, concealed away from others' preying eyes, after all. "Don't worry Subaru. No one would ever know this except for you and me. Because of that, instead of worrying on whether Vivio is capable enough to lead us in this mission or not, we should instead try our best to support her. Since disapproving Vivio is also equal to disapproving commander Yagami's decision as well, at the same time…" reassured Ginga in her respond towards Subaru, as she once again decided to follow Vivio and Nanoha across this dying world's treacherous landscape, in return.
It was when not long after Ginga took off, Subaru decided to follow her aforementioned older sister and took of to continue her mission as well, at the same time. While continuing her mission together with her beloved Gin-nee, Nanoha and Vivio, Subaru memories started to drift away, as she remembered on how one of her date with Teana almost abruptly ended when they need to pursue a group of four Eclipse Driver fugitives in which previously fought both Fūka and Rinne before injuring those two in the process. Together with Teana's newly assigned aide, Ave and her beloved investigator Ginga "Gin-nee" Nakajima, Subaru began to relentlessly pursuing these four Eclipse Driver fugitives while the rest of other Special Duty Section 6's operatives fought a hordes of corrupted Eclipse Drivers at the same time.
With Vivio, Einhalt and Xveria decided to join them after they successfully evacuating both the injured Fūka and Rinne to the safety, Subaru, Teana, Ave and Ginga manage to outrun those four fugitive Eclipse Drivers before trying to apprehend them. Thankfully, those who inherited the Old Belka's blood and Linker Cores have proven themselves to be somehow resistant towards Eclipse virus that any Eclipse Drivers would weaponize against other ordinary combat mages or knights, after all. Because of that, Vivio, Einhalt and Xveria's presences have in the end becoming a great asset for Subaru, Teana, Ave and Ginga when they tried to apprehend these four fugitive Eclipse Drivers albeit Subaru, Ginga and Ave in particular would definitely also proven to be quite susceptible towards Eclipse virus as well, after all.
Subaru and Ginga were Type Zero combat cyborg in which proven to be somehow completely invulnerable against almost anything that Eclipse Drivers would throw at them. Ave on the other hand was inheriting the Last Saint King of the Cradle, Olivier Sägebrecht's blood and genetic memories, as well as Reinforce Eins' fragment of Linker Core and magic circuits through the fateful choice that he made back then. Because of that, the three of them would also proven to be quite capable of fighting these supposedly Mage Killers in which Time-Space Administrative Bureau have somehow feared because of that. In the end, even when their AEC Armaments were still in experimental stage, Subaru, Ginga, Teana, Ave, Vivio, Einhalt and Xveria manage to successfully apprehend those four fugitive Eclipse Drivers in which also well famously known as Grendel Familia before Special Duty Section 6 officially took them into their custody, shortly afterwards.
It was when from remembering that small incident alone; Subaru was once again reminded to how skilful and somehow completely reliable Vivio, Einhalt and Xveria were after all. Back then, Vivio has yet reacquired her supposedly long lost Saint's Armour, as she solely relied on her ability to accurately manipulating her defensive spell, Sacred Defender in order to nullify any damage that has been directed to her by those fugitive Eclipse Drivers in battle. Working perfectly together with Einhalt and Xveria, Vivio has shown Subaru, Ginga, Teana and Ave on how fully capable she was against any enemies that deemed to be far more superior to her.
Because of that, when remembering on how fully capable Vivio was in her battle against fugitive Eclipse Drivers back then, Subaru started to somehow understand the reasoning behind Hayate's decision for assigning Vivio as the first investigation team's squad leader this time around. Since not only Vivio has proven herself to be capable enough of leading her friends and solve a number of cases in the past, she also successfully defeat multiple stronger enemies while honing her skill, strength and knowledge continuously.
Vivio has definitely proven herself to be a young but capable leader, as Subaru and Ginga has definitely approved Hayate's decision of assigning Vivio as the first investigation team's leader instead of her more experienced mother, the illustrious female Time-Space Administrative Bureau's Ace of the Sky, Nanoha Takamachi herself. Even though Subaru and Ginga have previously having a slight concern over this, the way Vivio confidently lead them while single-handedly defeating those four AI-controlled fifth generation Knightmare Frame Sutherlands a while ago have instantly dispel any worried feeling in which they previously had in mind.
Quietly both Subaru and Ginga decided to follow Vivio and Nanoha deeper into a certain tunnel in which Vivio herself has just found less than five minutes ago while investigating their surrounding as well, at the same time. The entire tunnel itself has been completely abandoned for quite some times, as moss and other wild vegetation were seen covering its cracked concrete walls. Both Subaru and Ginga also noticed on how this abandoned tunnel in which somehow happen to also reminded them about a certain abandoned tunnel that led them to Drangleic Castle, in which Reinforce Eins, Nanoha, Fate and Hayate once met the newly reborn Ave after he made his fateful choice for to accept Olivier Sägebrecht and Ayin Barshem's offer for one last time after Arca de Recluse inadvertently destroy hundreds if not thousands or even millions timelines in which countless Break The World have previously created.
"It surely bring back a lot of memories isn't it, Subaru. The fact that this entire tunnel has somehow reminding us about the long road to Drangleic Castle from Shrine of Winter itself…" remarked Ginga while inspecting the slightly faded murals across the abandoned tunnel's walls as well, at the same time. "You're right, Gin-nee. Since by the time we visited Shrine of Winter together with Ave-san, Hayate-san, Eins-san, Vivio and Einhalt for the second time, many things have completely changed from the day when Nanoha-san, Fate-san and Hayate-san picked both Ave-san and Eins-san on that fateful day after all. I also noticed on how the once wise and just king of Drangleic, Vendrick has disappeared completely from his castle by the time we arrived, leaving both chancellor Wellager and queen Nashandra to deal with everything that happened alone…" replied Subaru back, as she remembered on how their visit have somehow turned out to be just another beginning for another adventure that they never expected previously.
"Eventually none of us would actually expect that queen Nashandra to be the mastermind behind Drangleic's demise, as she wished to swallow the once prosperous kingdom itself into the deepest and darkest abyss after all. By the time we find out about her true intention, our final confrontation against the once fragment of Manus, Father of the Abyss in which also known as Nashandra, the Queen of Want has somehow becoming inevitable, as only by defeating her that we can hope to restore Drangleic back to its prosperous state, after all…" responded Ginga back at Subaru's reply just now while reminiscing on how their final confrontation against Nashandra, the Queen of Want has somehow led them to a fateful choice that would determine the very fate of Drangleic itself, in the end.
"Unfortunately, the choice that presented itself after we defeated queen Nashandra could never actually save Drangleic from its inevitable doom, Ginga-san, Subaru-san. Since in the end, such flame will fade away and only a dim embers and soothing darkness remain, sadly…" added Vivio after she previously listened at both Subaru and Ginga's conversation about their sojourn across the once majestic kingdom of Drangleic itself. Both Ginga and Subaru were slightly surprised by Vivio's remark just now, as they never actually expected her to actually listen at their conversation after all. It was when Ginga decided to respond at Vivio's remark while giving the younger Sankt Kaiser-girl herself another insight over what might happened to Drangleic after they defeated Nashandra, made their choice and left the said dying kingdom itself behind.
"Somehow, I still believe that our choice back then is the right, Vivio. Since rekindle the dim embers of Drangleic's flame would only postpone the inevitable instead of completely solving its problem, we all has chosen the third option, a long arduous path to lift the undead cursed forever. Because of that, even after experiencing multiple setbacks for choosing that option instead of rekindling Drangleic's flame, I personally think that we all have done something right and could truly be proud of it, after all…" explained Ginga in her respond at Vivio's remark just now, as she was also giving the said younger Sankt Kaiser-girl in front of her another reassuring smile as well, in return.
Vivio in the meantime was only affirmatively nodding back at Ginga before smiling back at her as well, shortly afterwards. She remembered clearly on how instead of choosing to either rekindle Drangleic's fire within the Throne of Want or left it to fade into an abyss of darkness, Vivio, Einhalt, Hayate, Reinforce Eins and Ave has chosen the third option in order to completely remove the aforementioned undead curse that already plagued Drangleic for quite some times. Ginga and Subaru in which previously doubt on whether this third option would just work perfectly fine by forever lifting the said undead curse itself, has decided to follow Vivio, Einhalt, Hayate, Reinforce Eins and Ave in their quest to reclaim the three long lost crowns that Vendrick, the once wise and just king of Drangleic previously possessed.
According to the legend that Vivio and Einhalt have researched previously, these three long lost crowns of king Vendrick have an immense magical power that could completely dispel the undead curse completely when gathered in one place. Because of that, in order to completely save Drangleic from its inevitable demise, Vivio, Einhalt, Hayate, Reinforce Eins, Ave, Subaru and Ginga decided to gather these three long lost crowns afterwards.
"It was when we revisited Black Gulch in order to gain an access to Shulva, the ancient sanctum city underneath it. Am I right, Vivio…?" asked Subaru while at the same time trying to remember the chronology behind their quest of gathering the aforementioned long lost crowns of king Vendrick himself, at the same time. "Hai, Subaru-san! Although it was also thanks to Fate-mama, Nanoha-mama, Hayate-san and Shirō-san from Kojima Battalion's 08th MS Team that we manage to gather those three crowns in the end. Fate-mama fought and defeated the Squalid Queen, Elana when we fought Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon at the same time…" answered Vivio back, as she decided to also reaffirming Subaru's enquiry on their quest of reclaiming the long lost crown of the Sunken King itself, back then.
"Commander Yagami and Nanoha-san on the other hand participated in Brume Tower's siege to fight and hold armies of Alonne Knights away when you together with Einhalt and Enforcer Takamachi infiltrated the aforementioned tower itself, Vivio. I heard that the three of you even manage to defeat another Smelter Demon, Sir Raime of Drangleic and Sir Alonne consecutively on that day, well done…" added Ginga while praising the bashful Vivio over her achievement of defeating those three guardians of Brume Tower and reclaiming the long lost crown of the Iron King afterwards. It was also when Vivio bashfully denied that all of the credit has been hers alone to take, as both her beloved Ave-nii and Einhalt were also there to help her.
Vivio, Ginga and Subaru were continuing their conversation for a little longer before Nanoha decided to inform them on how they finally reached the end of the said long abandoned tunnel itself. Vivio was then decided to scout the entire new area outside the abandoned tunnel first, as Nanoha, Subaru and Ginga follow her not far from behind. It was after Vivio saw a long abandoned ruins of what supposed to be a bustling commercial district in front of her, she once again started to understand the reasoning behind her beloved Ave-nii's inclination to get involved in almost everything that is related to his old world ever since he permanently moved to Mid-Childa. Vivio's beloved Ave-nii has decided to cast away almost everything that is related to his old world when he made his fateful choice back then and everyone knew about that well enough.
Vivio while somehow questioning her beloved Ave-nii's decision of doing so decided to fully respect his choice and helped him. She knew fully that Einhalt would also definitely support Ave's choice, as Vivio herself could definitely understand that. Because of that, as she knew very well on how her beloved Nanoha-mama, Fate-mama and Hayate-san would also support Ave's choice when they met him approximately twelve hours before Break The World occurred, Vivio decided to also gave her full support over the choice that her beloved Ave-nii's made while protecting his smile as well, at the same time. While remembering that, Vivio decided to let a small relieve sigh and chuckle as she turned her attention at Nanoha, Ginga and Subaru that has finally caught up with her.
In the end, even if this entire investigation that she together with her beloved Nanoha-mama, Ginga and Subaru has participated would never actually made her find any clue that could lead them home, Vivio was able to reminisce as well as remember the very reason that made her fight up to this point of life, after all. While the reason that she had behind her decision to keep on fighting might be weak compared to Einhalt and Fūka's newly found resolution to fight, Vivio once again understand on how her choice has definitely gave her beloved Ave-nii, Einhalt and others with another possibility that could also lead them to a better never ending tomorrow as well, after all.
Because of that, with her newly found resolve in her heart, Vivio decided to keep on moving forward for the sake of those in which she truly loves and cherishes dearly above anything else in this countless multiple multiverse itself. Since with a new promise that she made and renewed in this supposedly dying world itself, Vivio could once again provide her beloved Ave-nii, Einhalt and everyone else with another better possibility that would also lead them back to the their home, the very place in which they truly belongs after all, a promised eternal reality of their early days, Mid-Childa.
To Be Continued…